Surgeon Ian Paterson – More victims come forward

Surgeon Ian Paterson: at least 103 further patients come forward. A leading law firm has confirmed that since the disgraced surgeon Ian Paterson was convicted of wounding patients a few weeks ago, more than 100 private patients have come forward to press claims for compensation.

Paterson is alleged to have carried out many operations including supposed “life saving” breast surgery that was not required and hence put patients at risk. He made decisions to operate that were not supported by clinical facts or diagnostics and on this basis the patients injured by him may have the right to claim for medical negligence.

The surgeon is due to be sentenced later this month after the recent guilty verdict. The motives for Paterson’s offending remain unclear but the police team dealing with the case are very clear on their views about the doctor. Speaking after the case, DCS Mark Payne said: “Paterson was a controlling bully, who played God with people’s lives so he could live a luxurious lifestyle.

More claims are likely as the number of victims increases and the cost to the NHS in compensation awards and legal fees which has already run into many millions, could reach record levels.